Isaiah 1:24
Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 12
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶנָּחֵ֣ם
I will ease
H5162
אֶנָּחֵ֣ם
I will ease
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
Cross References
Isaiah 60:16Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.Isaiah 61:2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;Isaiah 35:4Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.Isaiah 49:26And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.Deuteronomy 28:63And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
Historical Context
The covenant name 'mighty One of Israel' recalls God's past deliverance (Exodus 15:2) while now threatening judgment against covenant breakers. God fights for His people by fighting against their sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment of His own people reveal His commitment to holiness over sentimentality?
- In what ways is divine discipline an expression of covenant love rather than vindictiveness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's self-designation as 'the mighty One of Israel' (Hebrew 'Abir Yisrael'—powerful, strong one) asserts His sovereign authority to execute judgment. The phrase 'Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries' anthropomorphically depicts God's resolve to vindicate His holiness. Divine judgment serves both punitive and purgative purposes—removing rebels while refining the remnant. This reflects the Reformed understanding that God's wrath against sin upholds His glory and establishes justice.